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Hundreds of free articles on the science, identification and techniques of gemology.
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2,158 Articles
6,699 Members
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137,992 Followers

The world's best gem articles, published weekly.

Most Recent Articles

denver gem show - gems on display
Denver Gem & Mineral Showcase 2017

With over 900 vendors and numerous geologic rarities, the 2017 Denver Gem and Mineral Showcase had plenty to see. Read about some highlights in our report!

standard brilliant cut terminology
Faceting Made Easy, Part 3: Starting a Standard Brilliant Cut

In Part 3 of “Faceting Made Easy,” Trevor Hannam covers how to select gem rough as well as dopping and rounding techniques for a standard brilliant cut.

first gem show - display
Five Tips for Your First Gem Show

New to the gem trade, or just a hobbyist? Don’t be intimidated! Follow these tips for your first gem show to make the most out of the event.

Halls MKII - faceting machines and equipment
Faceting Made Easy, Part 2: Faceting Machines and Equipment

What equipment do novice gem cutters need? In Part 2 of “Faceting Made Easy,” Trevor Hannam covers faceting machines, their features, and essential tools.

zircon buying - blue zircon ring with purple and orange diamonds
Zircon Buying Guide

Long valued for its brilliance, zircon is a natural and affordable beauty. Learn more about the quality factors for this gem in our zircon buying guide.

round brilliant sapphire - gemstone properties
Faceting Made Easy, Part 1: Gemstone Properties

In Part 1 of “Faceting Made Easy,” Trevor Hannam reviews gemstone properties in his introduction to faceting and learning to cut a standard brilliant gem.

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"Becoming a Pro Member of IGS just made good sense for my business. The gemology resources are fantastic, and my profile lets potential customers know I am serious about colored gemstones. And frankly, if I get any exposure to potential customers it's a no-brainer."
Paul Bierker, Paul Michael Designs
Jeweler, IGS Pro Member

The world's best online resource for gemstone appraisal

Over 15 years, we have assembled detailed pricing and value information for appraising over 70 different gemstones. The values in our guide come from a variety of sources including primary and secondary gemstone dealers, jewelers, miners, and wholesale suppliers of commonly traded gemstones.

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